The Parts

Now you need to plate the parts.  Most of the parts will be chromed. However, the braces, spokes, dropstand,
and some of the hardware is nickel-cadium plate.  The nipples and seat post are actually nickel plated.   Here is a pile of my
parts.  There are a few extras.  When you chrome, it is better to do as much as you can.  Keeps the cost
down compared to chroming one or two parts at a time.

If you are going to do a top shelf restoration, all the part need to be correct.  Plain and simple.  

Here is one of the truss rods.  I put two different versions, both Schwinn, next to each other for comparison. 
The early Schwinn truss rods didn't have the little punch hole for drainage. The punched holes were used on
later prewar bikes, probably 37 and up.

All Schwinns used Torrington handlebars.  However, early Torrington bars only had a T stamped in a circle. 
Later models were scrolled. I will obviously be using the T stamped bars.

Always use the correct date codes.

Schwinn didn't manufacture their own necks until 1936.  They used Torrington necks. I hope this neck isn't too
difficult to plate because it is made out of pot metal.

1934 to 1935 aerocycles and motorbikes used a special front hub. I believe it was manufactured by Mussleman.
This thing rolls like a dream. The bearing are actually fixed on the races.  I can't wait to see how this rides.
I have never felt a hub roll as smooth as one of these. 

I found NOS double-butted spokes and NOS long nipples. Early bikes used the long nipples. When I broke
down the wheels I found something very different. Each nipple had a bowled washer between the rim and the
nipple.  Pretty cool.

The rims were also very interesting. They are slightly different from the traditional dropcenter rims.  They are a little
more rounded.   Same wheels were used on Aerocycles..

Schwinn used flat braces up until early 1936.

Bent seatpost for 1935 motorbikes.

Early and mid prewar bearings are different than later prewar and post war models.

Early prewars also used star patterned washers.  These were used on the fender screws. 

I am using a restored seat done by Bob Usasi.  He is one of the premier seat restorers.  This seat isn't the exact
dead on correct seat.  The seat that originally came on the 35's had a chrome ring that ran around the whole seat and
was made by Troxel.  To my understanding, Jim Bailey was the only person that could restore one.  He has since retired 
and no longer restores seats. So, the regular long spring saddle will have to do. Still period correct.

Finally, the chrome is done.  However, I am still waiting on the cadium plating to be finished on the fender
braces, drop stand and other nuts and bolts.  The chrome should keep me busy for now.  The total cost for two
bikes was $560. 

Now all that is left is to assemble the bike and polish it.  Here you are, the product of this restoration. 
I used  prewar black wall U.S. Chain Royals.  I had to use reproduction grips.   Enjoy.

I didn't have an NOS reflector. This reflector is extremely hard to find. It is actually made by Persons.  They
used it up until 35.  1936 and up used a Stimsonite reflector with a Schwinn script and the glass protruded up
past the bezel. This reflector is flush.  Click here to see the difference.